Estonia Intensifies Border Security with Russia Amid Rising Migration Pressure

Estonia is taking steps to close its border with Russia in the city of Narva, including the installation of additional barriers on the bridge. This move, reported by the European Pravda and ERR, comes as Estonia faces increasing migration pressure from Russia. The situation escalated on the evening of November 16, when 19 individuals from Somalia and Syria attempted to enter Estonia illegally via its eastern border.

In response, Estonian authorities, particularly in the Ida-Virumaa county that includes Narva, have been preparing for a potential closure of the border checkpoint. This preparation is in part a reaction to Russia's actions, which are perceived as attempts to exert migration pressure on both Estonia and Finland. In recent times, large groups have repeatedly tried to enter Estonia without proper documentation.

Moreover, the construction of barriers is influenced by the upcoming closure of the Russian checkpoint in Ivangorod, located on the border with Estonia, for reconstruction starting February 1. While the Estonian government had previously expressed readiness to close the border following Finland's lead, they had not found a compelling reason to do so until now. Finnish authorities have also noted a significant increase in the number of people attempting to cross into Finland without proper entry documents in recent months.